As a Caregiver for Your Grandchildren, Let’s start with a hypothetical. Ten years ago, your son, James, married Susan. They were happily married and had two children of the marriage, Johnny and Sally. You saw your grandchildren at least two times …
Does Abandonment Make a Difference When You are Adopting?
Does Abandonment Matter? Every law student is trained the same way. When you're asked a direct question, answer the question, then explain – if needed. So, I’ll try to represent my legal education well: Yes, abandonment matters in adoption. In …
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5 Tips for Foster Parents in the Legal Fight for Their Child
5 Tips for Foster Parent Advocacy For a printable copy of this article, click here. 1. Expect Mind-Boggling Push-Back. "Sally" came into your home right out of the hospital, after spending two weeks detoxing from methamphetamine, opiates, and …
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Can Foster Parents Get Copies of Important Documents?
Can Foster Parents Get Copies of Their Child's Medical History, Counseling Notes, or Psychological Report? This is an important question. Let's say a three year old child is placed in your home. According to the Foster Parent Bill of Rights, the …
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Adoption Benefits Revisited: Paid Time Off for Adoptive Parents
Paid Parental Leave Act (2025) Adoption made easier. The Alabama K-12 Public School and State Employee Paid Parental Leave Act of 2025 went into effect on July 1, 2025.) This bill gave all state and public school employees paid parental time off for …
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What Happens if Parents Won’t Consent to Grandparent Adoption?
Alabama Grandparent Adoption What if Parents Will Not Consent? The short answer to that question is: you don't actually need the parent's express consent. If you are a Grandparent in Alabama and you are raising your grandchild, chances are you …
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One Reason Keeping Kids from Being Adopted
C.M. v. Mobile DHR, July 10, 2026 “[I]f a child is not adopted following [TPR], the child will likely remain orphaned… That outcome does not serve the best interests of the child.” In years gone by, it was common practice for juvenile courts to …
What is Abandonment? A Quick Update from the Courts
Where Does a Parent's Responsibility Come From? Supreme Court, Ex Parte M.P. “Mere sand.” This is what Justice Bryan, in his dissenting opinion, calls this newly announced rule (as paraphrased): Unless a court has ordered a parent to pay child …
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Foster Parents Have a Right to be Represented Legally
A Common Myth Told to Foster Parents If someone tells you that you don't need to hire an attorney, that may be just the time to consult with one. Too often foster parents who feel misled or unheard in the foster care system are advised or …
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